Nick spun Eirwen around as the two danced to the slow song, a hand on her hip and the other holding her extended hand. The ballroom was filled with people of fantastical races, and Kaya waved at them as he met her eyes, the girl sitting at a distant table.

Eirwen wore an electric blue dress that matched her eyes, the strapless ball gown hugging her perfect curves. It was a lot like a wedding dress, and she wore a tiara that finished her radiant look.

When Nick first arrived on the 11th Floor, his eyes had widened in shock as he had read the prompt, and minor memories were inserted as he appeared in a throne room with various people surrounding him. He quickly realized it was like the battlefield level of the Seraphara Ordeal, and he was inserted as the Lord of a kingdom facing difficulties.

[Test of Nobility – A Lord of Orion must have many skills, for the Responsibility to Rule is hereditary. Nobility is a common thread among Lords, and they must have skills in diplomacy and decorum. Attend your duties as a Noble Heir, earning and demonstrating your mastery of noble skills. Complete the scenario by setting up your kingdom for success and surviving the Marshall’s Grand Ball.]

It was the weirdest Test he’d ever been a part of, or read about. First, he attended a strange briefing where he had to make tactical choices for the special event, and then there was even a class by a decorum trainer.

The trainer prepared him for the ball they now danced in–making sure he and his partners knew the dances they’d be expected to know. And that Nick knew the right ways to address the various people and the right fork to use and when at the meal.

It was bizarre, when considering he was being Tested in a life or death struggle within the Ordeal. The taciturn human woman grilled and berated him on his posture, which he had unfortunately allowed bad habits to form throughout his life on Earth.

He was filled with anxiety not only because the woman was vicious, but because Nick half expected someone to jump through the window and attack them, given where they were supposed to be.

And that was just the beginning of the oddities. His wives were also granted individual instruction by specialists, giving them training and advice. It appeared that the trainers were actually tailored to them in some way because it was very on-the-nose to what they needed to progress.

They only stayed at the castle for a little over a day before they took a portal to the Marshall’s Grand Ball, but in the short time his girls had gained a lot. Nick was a bit envious because he did not, though he supposed the lame nobility training was what he might have lacked the most.

Then, that his entire party was wives seemed to grant him a very odd advantage, as the scenario seemed to recognize this detail.

Normally, his allies minus one bodyguard and attendant such as a maid would need to wait outside the ballroom or have some method to sneak around and support him without being caught. But because they were his wives, they were not only allowed inside–they were expected.

Only Irene, Jasmine, Jasper, Birdy, and their beetlefolk supporter, Jeffrey, waited outside, and there were likely to be challenges they needed to face as well. It was for this reason that Nick didn’t try to add the bodyguard, as his party was already a bit stacked.

It was known from the briefing they received that if diplomacy broke down, Nick would potentially be forced to fight his way out to escape to his nearby stationed men. And at that time, having his wives in the same room would significantly reduce the risk and difficulty.

The other positive was that this Test was only to take a little over a day. What had him worried was that this might be a preview of a fresh new hell that was this climb of the Path of Kings Ordeal. Hearing that nearly every floor of the Samurai Ordeal was a quick fight or an epic battle had him burning with jealousy. Was it too late? Could he just become a samurai instead?

Eirwen giggled at his expression. “Come on, don’t look so down, Hubby. Isn’t this exciting? This ball is like what I always read about in fantasy books!”

Her smile was beaming, the sheep girl enjoying their dance, and the attention. At seeing that, he couldn’t help but smile back as they twirled, and she leaned back as he cradled her in his arms, following the dance reminiscent of the waltz on Earth.

“You do look amazing in that dress. Like the Queen you are.”

Eirwen’s smile grew even wider, her ears wiggling up and down. “You like? I’ve always dreamed of being in an event like this. I wonder if we can do this for real in Frosthaven?”

“Definitely. After I reach the third stratum, it’ll be normal for us to host something. Preferably after I’ve dealt with Blackthorne…”

Nick looked over at the table in the distance, seeing his other wives enjoying food and speaking with others. Seeing this, Eirwen said, “I think Fang and Luna’s dresses look really cute on them too, but Kaya…” She smirked, as Kaya continued eating only the finger food choices. “Well, it just feels wrong on her, somehow. She’s more comfortable in armor.”

He had to agree, but Eirwen continued, “We all look great, but do try to keep your eyes out for that dignitary. We were supposed to meet him shortly–after this dance, if we can find them.”

It was a sea of people, and Nick was only briefed on a handful of them. Many of the nobles here represented various city-states from the nearby area, but some resembled much more of a true kingdom, and so diplomats were sent to the event instead.

Over decades, the control radius of an Ordeal would grow significantly. Having small cities not directly at a tower was common, often paired up with harvestable, replenishing resources. For example: the mine with the centipedes Nick and the Ironclaw tribe had cleared. A mining village would normally be built, protected and managed by Nick’s Ordeal, despite being several hundred miles away.

In addition, several Ordeals could be claimed or won over by a single lord. Having multiple sit in one city like Nick was a rarity, but claiming several was not all that uncommon, thanks to Orion allowing and encouraging Conflict. But on shards with an Open Relay, there were other reasons. There were such things as Monster Kingdoms, which Orion would simply introduce on the edges of the shard, to cause more Conflict.

This Grand Ball event was run by a Marshall, who’s entire Path was around rallying people to face against the common threat of Monster Kingdoms. Nick had already met the Marshall, and provided his required support in soldiers and funds, a preset number given for the scenario. However, the man was distant, and Nick got the idea that his enemy kingdom was the reason why.

As Nick and Eirwen continued their dance, eventually Nick heard a whisper from the shadows–Sable.

“Back by the South window, the rat beastfolk man with the mustache. But you should hurry, before the enemy finds him.”

The man was from a nearby kingdom, who Nick had to win over his support in counter to their real enemy. The larger Tagron kingdom was bullying its neighbors with Conflicts, and to stand a chance against its might, they would need to team up.

Or, in the case of this smaller kingdom, bend the knee. The end result was not nearly as bad as being under Blackthorne, but it would certainly restrict their freedom and potential. Nick needed to convince them to join up with him, and stand together for themselves instead.

Because his kingdom had already slighted the larger one, it would be nearly impossible to talk themselves out of their destruction.

Nick couldn’t help but feel some parallels to his own kingdom’s situation. His only wrongdoing –from Blackthorne's perspective–was existing, and talking him down wasn’t possible. So allying with others or becoming strong enough to stand against him were the only options he had.

The song finished, and Nick and Eirwen walked slowly toward the South window, arm in arm. Kaya and Luna were now talking to some beastfolk dignitary, while Fang did her best to look polite while chowing down on all the food. Rebecca looked at her worriedly, while a priest from another faith spoke to her.

“Guess it’s best we don’t crowd this guy, huh. We’ll leave them to it for now.”

Eirwen nodded, and they continued toward their target. As they approached the man, a prince with several people in tow got up from their table, and moved to intercept.

It was the likely enemy, Prince Tagron. This Test’s success could be earned in numerous ways, from gaining allies or somehow making the man’s kingdom unable to attack Nick’s fictional kingdom. Had Nick been more administratively focused, perhaps he would have spent more time learning potential trade deals and others that might have lead to other options.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Then, just killing the prince wouldn’t be enough, as his father would definitely be vindictive if his son died here. Killing him and making it look like another nation did it could potentially work, though…

Prince Tagron stopped in front of them. “Ah, it’s the young and talented Lord Noblefrost, I’ve heard much about you. And you must be…one of several of his ladies. I’m surprised you brought your wives here to the Marshall’s Grand Ball, the battlefield of nobles. Here on the edge of the shard, you never know when disaster can strike.”

Eirwen chuckled. “If there’s danger, then that’s all the more reason he should bring us. We are prepared to aid our Lord on any type of battlefield.” She looked at his procession, which appeared to be made up of his bodyguard and attendant, and a minister of some kind, before flaring her aura. While her control was not at the level of Rebecca, she was able to demonstrate a dense and powerful aura surrounding her in protection, a reflection of her capability. “I think you’ll find we’re as prepared as one can be. More prepared than most others.”

The man scowled at her. “I see.” Narrowing his eyes, he turned to Nick. “Father is most displeased with the events in the South, the Diregator spawning pools should belong to him.”

Nick arched his brow. “The spawning pools were provided by a Trial sanctioned by Orion itself. Surely, your father is not so entitled to believe his desires supersedes Orion’s Will? If Orion wanted him to have it, it would have granted him the opportunity.”

“It was placed within his dominion, and as the strongest, all should bow down to his protection. If you know what’s good for you, you would give it up. It will belong to him, and it’s up to you if you want that to be over your dead body, or peacefully.”

Nick chuckled. “So it’s a threat then? Conflict is one of Orion’s many truths. Perhaps, it desired Conflict when it granted the pools to us. But if your father wishes to claim it, he will have to earn it–like we’ve already done. We will not merely give away that which was hard-earned. Our men bled and died to claim it, and they’re willing to do it again to defend it.”

“So be it. Your tiny kingdom will be crushed under our might.” He and his party walked away, and it looked like he was moving to speak with the Marshall.

Nick and Eirwen continued, knowing that Sable was likely going to check out what was going on if she could. The Marshall himself was in the third stratum though, so she would need to be careful. This Test had risks far beyond the floor’s normal level.

The mustached man was filled with anxiety, and Nick could guess why. The man walked a more administrative path, like the Lord of Silverbrook, and he was a rat beastfolk with white fur on his head besides. His guard didn’t seem very competent either, the man must have just taken ownership of his Ordeal.

“Lord Noblefrost. To what do I owe the pleasure of…” His eyes shifted right and left, narrowing on Nick. His white-clawed hands curled at his sides, and his tail lashed behind him.

Eirwen gave him a disarming smile, and spoke in her usual soothing voice. “Do relax, Lord Brightclaw. My husband just wanted to meet you, since he respected your hard work and devotion to your people.”

“Me, respect?”

Nick nodded. “Of course. We’re in a situation similar to your own, and we think we should work together–the enemy of my enemy is my friend, isn’t that true?”

Brightclaw frowned. “I…but not if the enemy kills me here today!”

“I understand you’re worried about what Prince Tagron will do if you don’t side with him today–but just know our people are ready to assist you. We’ll make sure you make it out of here today, and back you up once we’re outside.”

“That… helps. But what do you plan on doing? Your kingdom isn’t strong enough to oppose him.”

“By ourselves, you might be right. But you’ve fought hard to claim your kingdom, and your location is perfect for us to rally around–I’m sure you’ve realized this? It’s why Tagron is after you so. If you join us, we can convince others to stand against him. We’ll take their Oaths and the Tagron kingdom shouldn’t be able to bully any of them any longer.”

He added, “Even without them, I’m confident that we can make ourselves too much work for Tagron to want to make such sacrifices–your defensive location in the mountains is just that significant. Still, we need you in order to convince the others.”

The man looked out the window, and seemed to sigh in relief. Nick looked as well, and realized what he was looking for. One of Nick’s choices for the evening was on where to station a number of ‘his’ men with their kingdom’s banner, Irene and Jasmine waiting along with them. He could see them waiting in the distance, just in range to rush for aid if there was trouble.

He wasn’t sure what would have happened if he had made another choice. But it was likely, as he was prompted, that this man might have become more nervous of either betrayal or that Nick wasn’t able to provide what he wanted.

“I’ll…trust you. You seem capable, and dignified. You can really get us out of here? He’s not going to let us leave unless we bend the knee, I just know it. He has the Marshall’s ear. And I can’t retreat. I can’t leave the city until I’ve provided my aid, and the Marshall refused to see me yet.”

“Let us worry about that, and we’ll fight our way out of here. Just stay close to my people for now, with my other wives you see over there. We’ll make sure you get out safely.” He nodded to the table, and the main made to leave but paused.

“A priestess of Seraphara? How…fortuitous. Escaping seems all the more plausible.”

Nick nearly snorted at that, but barely stopped himself–half expecting the nobility trainer woman’s stick to smack him upside the head for merely thinking it. He got whipped one too many times with that thing in just one day.

“You’ll see that you’ve made a good decision to team up with us. My other wives are more than capable.”

After getting his Oath and giving his own, Nick and Eirwen continued meeting other nobles, and made a few smaller deals for support. None of the other kingdoms present were truly in danger like Lord Brightclaw’s and his, as they were positioned outside Tagron’s control radius or had supplied enough to the Marshall that he would not turn against them.

Many guests had already left, but Brightclaw was nearly last. When he was finally called, it was already dark outside, and some soldiers had closed one of the exits. Nick nearly rolled his eyes at how obvious the plot was, but as they left the manor deep in the city, Nick’s party and Brightclaw were quickly surrounded by soldiers with no banner.

There was a large squad of soldiers, the nearly hundred or so in view taking up the entire back alley and blocking all the other paths. Without a word, they drew their weapons and began marching toward Nick and his party.

Brightclaw was full of anxiety, his bodyguard drawing a small arming sword, while his claws shimmered. “I knew it! They’re already here for us, and your wives aren’t even armed!”

Nick almost snorted, but cleared his throat instead. “My wives hardly need weapons to be dangerous.”

With a howl from Fang, their reinforcements were called as planned. She then covered herself in her armor of ice, before leaping toward and beating down several of the oncoming soldiers. Kaya roared as she partially transformed at the same time, her claws ready for battle, and met several of the oncoming soldiers with her claws.

Meanwhile, Sable formed a spear made of frost and shadow much like Brutus and the Bishop did, surprising Nick. She met the soldier’s charge alongside Kaya and Fang, stemming the tide of the soldiers, who wanted Nick and Brightclaw dead.

Luna’s totems pulsed as she cast ice shards with Eirwen to shoot into the oncoming soldiers, only Rebecca holding back for the time being. Nick’s party was not killing indiscriminately, but they weren’t holding back much as they opened a path through the enemies, pushing into the neighboring alley toward what should be their freedom.

Nick’s Frost Aura pushed out, slowing all the enemies and his chains even cordoned off an alley, preventing reinforcements from coming at all.

Lord Brightclaw looked shocked. “That… huh. I feel even better about my choice now.”

Nick chuckled. “This is the easiest part of the night for me. If it’s fighting, you’ve teamed up with the right guy.” He drew his Soul Blade, and Brightclaw gawked at him even further. They easily broke through the rest of the encirclement, fighting through the alley and toward Nick’s allies.

Jasmine’s beams of light eventually blasted into the soldiers, sending the men scattering in a daze. Suddenly, a smaller beetlefolk came from above and landed next to Nick, his carapace reflective and shimmering like mercury or chrome, reminding Nick of the weird dogs from the second floor.

It was Jeffrey–Jasmine’s chosen beetlefolk to join them during their run. He had wings which allowed him to fly long distances with his smaller stature. He was actually smaller than Nick’s Wolfen girls, and was still learning to communicate properly.

Jeffrey tossed a spatial pouch at Eirwen, and she thanked the odd beetle with a giggle as she dug out her and Sable’s bow, Nick’s shield, and Rebecca’s staff.

From there, Nick’s soldiers clashed with the others, and escaping to Brightclaw’s men and a carriage was simple with the added support. Nick’s choices for stationing his men in a public place had paid off. They were able to both evade the Marshall and the prince’s men, but also prevent them from quietly interfering with his people coming to rescue.

Had they not waited where Nick decided, they might have been surrounded by the Marshall’s men and unable to assist, much like Brightclaw’s people were. Unfortunately, his people were provided…special accomodations the moment they entered the city.

Upon Lord Brightclaw reaching the carriage safely, the portal’s stone archway rose from the ground, the scenario completed. A larger contingent of Lord Tagron’s people were coming in the distance, so Nick’s party would be forced to enter the portal shortly.

Nick sighed as he addressed his party. “One floor down. I was not a fan of that, but you girls got good instruction, didn’t you?”

Irene smiled. “Rebecca and I got to check out their library! There were a lot of books to read there, and we learned a lot.”

Kaya said, “I wonder how your subordinates will experience this floor, when we have some more climber slots.”

Eirwen hummed. “Based on what I’ve read, it’s likely the party would be treated much like we were. The leader of the party might have some ability to sway the Lord, Nick’s position to take certain actions, but otherwise the scenario might just be focused on storming in to interfere with the enemy’s plans, to save their temporary Lord.”

Sable looked over her spear made of shadow and ice, “I wouldn’t mind doing that floor again, it was kinda fun–it even had princely chambers for a fun evening.” She waggled her brows, “The trainer helped me with my shadow and ice magic. We didn’t have anyone able to back at Frosthaven.”

The other girls shared her sentiments, all receiving useful advice from the trainers. Not just how to improve in the short term, but in the long term, much like Eirwen had received from Agatha.

Nick looked back at the portal. “Alright. It seems like this floor will be helpful for my kingdom, so that’s a bonus. It’s not as though a single day of instruction per month is that significant, but it’s something that not all kingdoms have access to. Let’s get equipped and head out.”

His wives were still wearing their ball gowns, so they took a moment to change within a hastily erected tent by Jasmine, getting ready for battle. They never knew what would be on the next level, after all.